Collapsible overbed table



July 7, 1959 Filed Jan. $1 1958 E. 2M 7 2,893,803 COLLAPSIBLE. OVERBED TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 INVENTOR Edwin L. Z l'w' 1 95404443402, fikZZ'I/w ATTORNEYS July 7, 1959 Filed Jan. 31, 1958 COLLAPSIBLE OVERBED TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 v P23 .32- I :24

INVENTOR Edwin L. Z/v/ ATTORNEY-5 July' 7, 1959 E. L. z|v| COLLAPSIBLE. OVERBED TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 31, 1958 INVIINTOR' wa mfm ATTORNEYS United States Patent coLLAPsrBLE OVERBED TABLE Edwin L. Zivi, Severna Park, Md. Application January 31, 1958, Serial No. 112,518

' 3 Claims. (Cl. 311-28) The present invention relates to hospital and/or home accessory and utility tables and is concerned with articles of this class which are particularly adapted for use by immobilized, bedridden, or other in-patients who may be physically restricted or confined under a wide variety of restraints, or those who are disposed to study, read or eat in bed.

Over-bed tables conventionally are made with a top which projects laterally from an upright supporting standard. It is easy to see that tables of this type are bulky which require considerable storage space when not in use. This is a great disadvantage particularly for-home use. The top of a conventional table usually is fixedly mounted in a horizontal position and thus does not position a book or the like properly for reading by a patient lying on the bed. Furthermore, it is often desirable that a woman patient be able to utilize the table as a vanity. Thus, the ideal table must have a structure permitting a great deal of flexibility in use and capable of functioning for a wide range of purposes. This invention is designed to overcome all the shortcomings and disadvantages which have been characterized by the multiple utility bed tables used up until this time.

A principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a multiple-purpose utility table which is designed to serve particularly as a bed accessory especially designed for use in the home or hospital.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simply constructed, economical, sturdy and well-balanced bed table which may be conveniently stored in a minimum of space when not in use.

It is an object of this invention to provide a table top capable of providing a raised portion so that it may be used as a book rest or similar use but when closed will be flush with the table and at the same time serve as a part of the top of the table.

With these and otherobjects in view, attention is now directed to the following details,.specifications, and to the disclosure drawings in both of which corresponding parts are designated by similar reference characters, throughout, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multiple utility hospital table having therein various features of the present invention and illustrated with its book rest or mirror rest in utility position;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal view in section showing the entire length of the table illustrating the table in its flat top position;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the snap latch and collapsible bracket in the closed position;

Figure 4 is a plan view 'of the table in its folded position;

' Figure 5 is a side view of the table in its folded position;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the underside of the table in its folded position;

Figure 7 is a side view showing an alternative embodi- 2,893,803 7 Patented July 7, 1959- ment of the table top center section positioning mechanism in its lowered position;

Figure 8 is a side view of the table top positioning mechanism in its raised position;

Figure 9 is a sectional view partly in section of the table top positioning mechanism taken on the line 99 of Figure 7.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, numerals 19, 20 and 21 designate the three sections of the table top. The table top sections 19, 20 and 21 may be made of hardwood, veneer plywood, plastic or plastic laminate or any suitable table top composition as shown by Figures 2 and 3. Top sections 19 and 20 are permanently secured by suitable screws 35 to longitudinal tubular sections 18 which are constructed of a hard, durable metal displaying a pleasing appearance. Table top center section 21 is mounted on one longitudinal support 18 by a suitable bracket or hinge means 23 which is fastened to the tiltable top portion 21 by screws showing the 24 and is capable of pivoting about tubular member 18.

The longitudinal supporting members 18 are fastened to two similar supports formed as inverted U-shaped tubular structures 12 with respect to the floor which comprise the vertical supporting means for the table. Longitudinal I supports 18 which are fastened to vertical support 12 are fastened at numeral 16 by a suitable bolt, and are preferably spaced by a sleeve 41 as shown in Figure 3 to afford clearance for an articulated support 13. Between fastening 17 on the tubular number 18 and fastening 15 on tubular member 12 is mounted an articulated support 13 which pivots at point 33.

As shown in Figure 1, it will be noted that support 13 is fastened to the outside of tubular number 18 at fastening 17, and bracket 14 is fastened to the inside of tubular support 12. The lower portion of the collapsible bracket 14 fastened to support 12 will be offset as shown by numeral 39 to afford clearance for lug 40 to ensure the table folding to occupy a minimum of space.

On the underside of the rectangular top section 21 is a hinge 25 which mounts collapsible supporting bracket 22 to tiltable top section 21. As shown in Figure l, tiltable rectangular top section 21 which is shown in its raised position, is supported in such position by the sup port offered by bracket 22. Bracket 22 is designed so that it tapers from a wide to narrow size from its point of attachment to section 21. The narrow end is notched at 32 to engage member 18.

' Mounted in a transverse spaced relationship to collapsible bracket 22 is a snap latch housing 29 which is fastened to the underside top section 21 by a suitable fastening means 31, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, snap latch housing 29 is very simple in coristruction and is provided on one side with a suitable arm 36, to operate latch 37.

Illustrated in Figure 2 on the underside of the tiltable top portion 21 is shown a second similar snap latch 30 which is secured to the top tiltable portion 21 by suitable screws 31.

Because the table is made of very light and durable material, it may easily be moved into place by one person.

In normal use, that is, when used as a supporting surface, as, for example, serving meals, the top of the table is left or maintained in its level flat position. The flat surface of the table will be exceptionally smooth as it will be veneered and polished with a desired pleasing appearance. The only exception of the continuous permanent flat top will be exhibited by a crack between the top center tiltable portion 21 and permanent top fiat elements 19 and 20. These cracks will not in any way interfere withthe' advantages and conveniences for which the table is'designed or constructed. In its balanced position with all four supporting legs 12 touching the floor the top three elements 19, 20 and 21 will withstand an exceedingly heavy load. When it is desirable for-thepatient to read,- the tiltable portion 21 is raised by-merelylifting upward withthe hand the edge of element '21and pulling arm 36 of snap latch 30 to the right as shown in Figure 3 which will release the latch lip 37 and in turn release the collapsible bracket 22 in such a manner that it will swing downward on hinge 25 wherein the groove 32 previously described will engage the contour of tubular element 18.

When it is desired to store the table, it may easily and simply be folded into a compact arrangement shown-in Figures 4, 5 and 6 by collapsing the bracket 13 so that the bottom of the U-shaped member 12 will swing upward to a position relative to the tubular member 18 and the portion of 12 normally above the top of the table 19 will swing outward from the table top in an extending position and pivoting at fastening means 16.. Looking closely at Figures 4, 5 and 6 it can be seen that the table top 19, 20 and 21 and legs 12 fold into a very neat, compact and sung arrangement and can easily be stored in a closet suspended from a hook since the thickness of the table will be less than 3 inches in its folded position. In a hospital when not in use, many tables may be stacked in a horizontal position.

Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings of the alternative embodiment of the table top center section positioning mechanism, slotted link 45 is attached to tabletop section 21 by bracket 46, and to longitudinal support 18 by a bolt 47 and elastic stop nut 52. On the bolt 47, positioned between slotted link 45 and tubular support 18, is a pretensioned coil spring 53.

One end 49 of spring 53, extends along tubular support 18. The tip of spring end 49 is bent to be inserted inhole 48, so that leg 49 will remain in a fixed position. The other end 50 is biased to assist in guiding and maneuvering slotted link 45 as it moves up and down to position section 21 in a raised or latched position.

Operation of this latch and positioning mechanism is very simple and efiicient. Section 21 may be raised and held in a desired position by slotted link 45', which is held in position by the tension applied to it by the spring, bolt and elastic stop nut assembly.

Section 21 may be lowered to a position nearly flush with tubular support 18, at which time the pretensioned coil spring 53 will draw section 21 into a flush position with elements 19 and 20 so that without some force to overcome the spring, upward movement of section 21 is restrained. It will also be noted that slotted link 45 will position itself in a near perpendicular relationship with tubular support 18 in its raised position, and slide into a compact arrangement longitudinally adjacent support 18 in its latched position. This arrangement serves two purposes; namely, to position section 21 for reading purposes and holding section 21 in. the down position when the table is collapsed and stored. The arrangement is easily operable by the use of one hand which is desirable for those who may be partially incapacitated.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, nevertheless various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope, spirit, and contemplation of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1

1. A collapsible. foldable utility table to be used spanning a bed, comprising a pair of tubular spacer members extending horizontally over the top of the bed, pairs of leg members formed by tubing bent in an inverted U- shape pivotally mounted on the ends of s'aidspacer members adjacent the bend in said tubing, collapsible bracket members mounted on'said spacer members and said leg members to stabilize the assembly when in use and to facilitate folding said assembly of leg members and spacer members into a substantially fiat arrangement for storage, table top sections secured to said spacer members, said sections extending side by side between said leg members, one central top section having means to swivel on one edge of said top section about one of said spacer members, the other edge of said top member having a slotted link means having one end thereof pivoted to the edge of said top section, spring-biased guidemeans on said other spacer member to engage said slotted member to maintain said top section in a desired angular position.

2. A collapsible foldable utility table to be used spanning a bed, comprising a pair of tubular spacer members extending horizontally over the top of the bed, pairs of leg membersformed by tubing bent in an inverted U- shape pivotally mounted on the ends of said spacer members adjacent the bend in said tubing, collapsible bracket members mounted on the ends of said spacer members and said leg members to stabilize the assembly when in use and to facilitate folding said assembly of leg members and spacer members intoa substantially fiat arrangement for storage, table top sections secured to said spacer members, said sections extending side by side between said leg members, one central top sectionhaving means to swivel on one edge of said top section about one of said spacer members, the other edge of said top memher having a slotted link means having one end thereof pivoted to the edge of said topsection, spring-biased guide means on said other spacer member to engage said slotted member to maintain said top section in a desired angular position, and means to positively latch said top section against said spacer members.

3. A collapsible foldable utility table to be used spanning a bed, comprising a pair of tubular spacer members extending horizontally over the top of the bed, pairs of leg members formed by tubing bent in an inverted U- shape pivotally mounted on the ends of said spacer menibers adjacent the bend in said tubing, collapsible bracket members mounted on said spacer members and said leg members to stabilize the assembly when in use and to facilitate folding said-assembly of leg membersand spacer members into a substantially fiat arrangement for storage, table-top sections secured to said spacer members, said sections extending side by side betweensaid-leg members, one central top section having means to swivel on one edge of said top section about one 'ofsaid spacer members, the other edge of saidtop member having a slotted link meansmounted. thereon to pivot transversely of said section, a bolt extending through the slot'o'f said link and secured in one of said spacer members ofiset laterally from the pivot-point of said link, aspring member mounted on. said bolt to force said slotted link against the head of said bolt and bias said link towardthe underside of said.- table top sections.

References Cited in the file of this patent I v UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,640,441

France Mar. '24. 1950 

